Chapter 2

I took a deep breath. "Fine, then from now on we split everything 50/50."

My father-in-law's face went very dark. "Whoever heard of a husband and wife splitting finances? Mildred, do you even want this marriage to work?"

"Of course I do, Dad, but if I hand over all my money to your eldest daughter-in-law and live on eight hundred dollars a month, then there's really no way to live."

"If Anthony wants to live like this, that's his business. I don't."

With that, I picked up my bag and stood. "I just remembered I have something to take care of at the office. I'm heading out."

The eldest brother, William, said immediately, "Don't forget to pay the bill before you go."

The tone of it—like paying the bill was simply my job.

Our three households got together once a week, and we almost always ate out.

The restaurant was always picked by William and his wife, and they ordered the dishes too.

The deal had been that our two households would take turns paying, so Mom and Dad wouldn't have to spend a cent.

But in reality, every time it was William's family's turn, the two of them would play dumb.

I'm thin-skinned, so once the waiter had been standing there too long I'd get embarrassed and just pay it myself.

And now it had turned into: paying the bill was supposed to be my job.

"William, it's your turn to pay this time. My husband's whole salary goes to your wife, and you two play dumb and make me pay? That's taking advantage way too far."

With that, I grabbed my bag and walked out, not caring about the looks on everyone's faces.

When I got home that evening, I found Anthony sitting in the living room, his face livid, waiting for me.

"Mildred Lyons, you won't answer my calls or reply to my texts, just because I let your sister-in-law manage our finances? Is that really necessary?!"

"My phone was dead. I didn't ignore you on purpose."

I walked straight into the bedroom as if nothing had happened.

Anthony chased after me. "And what you said today, about William and his wife taking advantage—that was really nasty. Do you have any idea how awkward it was for me, sitting there alone?"

"So did they pay the bill today?"

"I paid it. William and his wife were already upset—how could I make them pay?"

I laughed.

"You've only got eight hundred in pocket money this month, and that meal cost at least six hundred. So are you planning to go on a hunger strike the rest of the month?"

"That's what I've got you for."

"I thought about it later. If you don't want to give your salary to your sister-in-law, then don't. The two of us still need some cash on hand, for emergencies and such."

"I already told you—starting today, we split everything. You spend yours, I spend mine. Anthony, I won't give you a single cent."

Anthony glared at me. "Mildred Lyons, we're husband and wife. Do you really have to keep such careful accounts?!"

"So you do know we're husband and wife. Have you ever seen a husband hand his entire salary to his brother's wife? I haven't forced you to get your salary back—that's me being extremely generous already!"

"Giving my salary to your sister-in-law is just letting her manage our money. Once it earns a return, isn't that money for both of us?"

I held up a hand. "Stop right there. If you want to give your salary to Shirley Swanson, that's your business. Whatever you gain or lose, you carry it yourself. It has nothing to do with me."

"Fine! When I earn it, don't you spend any of it!"

I plugged in my phone to charge, and the moment it powered on, a text from the bank came in.

A cold sweat broke out over me all at once.

"Anthony, you withdrew the two hundred thousand in wedding cash gifts we got?"